U.S. Rep. Ed Schrock announces retirement By BOB LEWIS
Associated Press Writer
Published August 30, 2004
RICHMOND, Va. -- U.S. Rep. Edward L. Schrock abruptly announced Monday that he will not seek a third term in Congress, citing unspecified allegations that have "called into question" his ability to serve.
Although Schrock did not comment on why he decided against seeking re-election, several
Virginia Republicans said allegations that Schrock is gay have roiled the party since they were posted on a Web log Aug. 19.
Schrock, 63, is married and a conservative who voted for legislation to ban gay marriages. Schrock said in a five-paragraph statement that allegations have surfaced in recent weeks "that have called into question my ability to represent the citizens of Virginia's Second Congressional District."
He continued: "Therefore, as of today, I am stepping aside and will no longer be the Republican nominee for Congress."
The release said Schrock would not comment further on his decision, nor did he comment specifically on the allegations.
The decision shocked Republicans, who must scramble to field another candidate by Friday to oppose Democrat David B. Ashe in the district that includes Norfolk, Virginia Beach and the rural Eastern Shore.
"We're shocked and stunned more than saddened right now," said Virginia Beach Republican Chairman Mark McKinney, who said Schrock retired because of the accusation posted on blogactive.com. "What I read on the Internet was a complete and utter surprise to me."
The author of the blog, Michael Rogers, said his site is aimed at exposing "hypocrites" in Congress...
http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virgi...dlines-virginiaVA-02: GOoPer Schrock resigns by kos
Mon Aug 30th, 2004 at 22:49:15 GMT
Michale D has been on the story for several weeks.
Rep. Ed Schrock is a two-term Republican congressman from Virginia's Second District. The National Journal ties him as the second most conservative person in all of Congress in 2003, behind only Dennis Hastert. This isn't necessarily a turn-off in his district, which includes Virginia Beach, home of Pat Robertson, as well as Hampton Roads, home of 300,000 active-duty military and veterans.
A strong family man with a wife and kids, Schrock was a co-sponsor of the Federal Marriage Amendment and opposes any possible rights for gay people, including non-discrimination in employment.
The problem is, his constituents may soon discriminate against his employment, as Schrock also seeks out gay sex on telephone dating services, and gay activists are about to release the tapes. The tapes were circulating, thanks to the blog Blogactive.
Suddenly, as the import of the tapes became increasingly obvious, the links to the tapes disappeared from Blogactive. The strategy was clear -- if Schrock thought the tapes were a hoax, he would continue his reelection battle. And if he remained on the ballot at Friday, 5 p.m., it would be impossible to replace him on the ballot.
Alas, Shrock knew the jig was up.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/8/30/184915/447